Bringing Down A President: the Watergate Scandal

by Andrea Balis, Elizabeth Levy, Tim Foley (Illustrations)

A middle-grade retelling of Richard Nixon's downfall, Bringing Down A President: The Watergate Scandal is an inventive and timely look at one of the biggest scandals to ever rock our nation by Andrea Balis and Elizabeth Levy, featuring graphic novel style illustrations by Tim Foley.

Comprised almost completely of primary source quotes (good thing Nixon's recorder was on) and interspersed with contextual narrative, this captivating account of the trials and tribulations of the Nixon Administration has been rendered screenplay style offering an extraordinarily immediate narrative of one of America's most turbulent eras.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Middle Grade, Politics, Historical, Biography, American History

240 pages, Hardcover

First published August 6, 2019

Reviews

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hey, now I "get" Watergate...

While it's billed as middle grades, Bringing Down A President: the Watergate Scandal is a great overview of Watergate for adults who never quite got the full story. I'm not old enough to have lived through Watergate, and just about every US history class I've ever taken has covered 1946 to about 1990 in about three sentences.

"So, we won World War II, but then we got into a Cold War with the Commies, and both sides made a metric shit-ton of weapons. Then the Soviet Union broke up, and we won. 'Murica!"

Thanks to the authors for clearing up a murky spot in my historical education.

As an adult reader, a few things didn't quite hit the mark for me.

The "Fly on the Wall" labels weren't really needed--without those markings, it still would have been clear when the text was quoting historical figures.

Some of the pictures tried to be humorous, but they weren't too helpful in understanding what happened. In the line drawings, it was hard to tell apart many of the characters. I agree with the reviewers who said that photos would have been a better choice.

I think middle grades readers will enjoy the book a bit less than adults. They might pick it up to complete required research, but it probably wouldn't hold their interest as a voluntary read. Middle grades readers might be annoyed by sections explaining very simple concepts. At the same time, they might also be irritated that some key concepts are not explained.

3.5 stars rounded up--3 stars for middle grades readers, but 4 for adults who want a primer on the subject.

Thanks to NetGalley and Roaring Brook Press for giving me a DRC of this book.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the new trend of primary sources in Children's nonfiction, and this is a great example. Very readable. This is why we should teach modern history first and work backwards.

[Namrata]

really interesting plot! this book sounds like my cup of tea! hope I can read it soon!!!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this seems rather topical. I thought it was an appealing format -- told in the words of the actors, with a "fly on the wall" providing transitions and explanations. It chronicles the Watergate break-in through the investigation and obfuscations, watching the reactions of various people both pro- and anti-Nixon, although the book itself is strongly on the side on the impeachment. The chapter lengths and illustrations are also appealing, and the back matter thorough (good page notes, for example).

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great. It explained a lot of the missing parts of the Watergate scandal that I was not aware of before. I loved the format, especially the "fly on the wall" concept; that was excellent. I also liked the fact that the authors included direct quotes from the people involved, even though these people had been formally classified as liars. After reading this book, I see many parallels between the Watergate scandal and the current Trump administration. And it scares me...

[Ace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that this was a reasonably well-written retelling of the Watergate robbery. I don’t really understand the financial aspect of the coverup but I think I can sum that up to me not understanding a lot of political jargon, I did really enjoy reading the second part of the story where everything began to unravel for Nixon, so basically the social aspects of the whole story. I did think that this was relatively balanced retelling of Watergate as in I didn’t see any bias when exploring why he did what he did, but also letting the reader know that he lied a lot and thought himself above the law. But the authors took care to tell both sides of the story and show a lot of different people’s thoughts on the subject which I really appreciate from them. I feel much more knowledgeable after reading this book so I would recommend it to others. I also really liked the interesting font and pictures of the people involved, plus the guide in the beginning showing names, pictures, and art of anyone of importance to the story was very helpful as I found myself flipping to the guide multiple times throughout reading this book.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written primarily from quotes from primary sources, this makes a solid refresher on Watergate for those like me (who may have forgotten many details useful for today's news.)

[Chelsea]

I thought this book was an interesting look at the Watergate Scandal and I actually learned a lot even though this topic was not new to me. I enjoyed the "fly on the wall" perspective which made it seem like you had an inside look to what was happening in the room. It included some curse words but they were within direct quotes and felt appropriate for getting the tone across. I think it would also appeal to reluctant readers who may find that sort of thing edgy and more interesting than a more academic take on the subject. I would say this is more geared for a middle school or high school age.

Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for the chance to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Alicia]

Reviewing for a professional magazine- see review in SLJ.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bringing Down a President by Andrea Balis and Elizabeth Levy, illustrated by Tim Foley, 222 pgs. NON-FICTION Roaring Brook Press, 2019. $20.

Content: Language: PG-13 (24 swears); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: G.

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

In 1972, Richard Nixon sent his own secret spies into the Watergate Hotel to plant recording devices in the Democratic National Committee’s headquarters. The spies were caught and as the evidence stacked up against the men, it became clear that some of the government's leading men were pulling the strings, including President Nixon. As the connections were made from burglar to President, Nixon's spying on the Democrats wasn’t his only dark secret, so a country already torn by the Vietnam war and other upheavals is dragged through the unveiling that they have a crook as a President.

What a compelling read-I couldn’t put it down. Although I have heard of the Watergate Scandal, until this book I never realized how many men were involved and the other deceptive ideas that Nixon was propagating. This is a great foundational read about what Watergate was all about. It isn't a biography on Nixon and at the end I did want to dig deeper, but it's a great overview. The illustrations are well done and provide a visual for the names of the players in the story at the front of the book which is a reference I used throughout my reading. The content includes some crass statements and the bizarre, unethical actions of those in power was upsetting.

Reviewer, C. Peterson
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...

[Alex Baugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watergate was always a confusing part of history to me. It never was covered in school and there were so many people and events surrounding Richard Nixon's fall from grace and subsequent resignation. This book makes sense of all that in a very accessible format. I knew it was an important time in the history of the US and now I can see why more clearly. This is a book written for middle grade kids, but it would probably help adults who were a little fuzzy about those events, too. The events are narrated by a fly on the wall (literally), along with supporting direct quotes by the people involved, and instead of using photographs, the authors have chosen to use black and white (pencil?) illustrations. There is a lot of food for thought here, but one thing is certain - this is a book that will resonate with today's astute readers.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed for professional publication.

[Beth Bryden-miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nope. I didn't think the literal "Fly on the Wall"narrator worked as a device. I thought the author couldn't get a handle on the middle grades audience in terms of what was explained in detail and what prior knowledge was assumed. I also thought they missed a great opportunity with the illustrations - I wanted them to better clarify the huge cast of characters involved but not so much.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The narrative device used by the authors called "Fly on the Wall" is either going to work for readers or irritate them. I didn't find it an issue and I do think it can help middle school readers to sort through the very convoluted issues of what was said in public, what was said in secret and clearly describes what lay at the heart of the actions of the Nixon staff.

The tone is irreverent and chatty but Balis and Levy do an excellent job of presenting a clear accounting of who did what when and why it mattered. Having lived through this unfolding scandal, I remember the confusion, doubt and fear that afflicted most of us. It was one of the many intensely disillusioning political realizations for me during that period as it was almost unthinkable that a sitting President would stoop to illegal activities for personal gain. I think this book does an excellent job of conveying what a sea-change this was in public understanding.

For all of its light approach, the book is very clear on the moral and constitutional elements at the heart of the scandal and it is startling how these same elements are in play today on the national scene. Nixon's statement that if the President does it, it isn't illegal is strongly disputed here with a legal and constitutional basis for this contention. Today's young people are hearing this very same assertion and this historical accounting puts much in context.

Clear and concise, this book lays out the events in an admirably understandable way. Back matter includes a terrific Timeline (how I wish I'd had THIS at the time), outstanding Source Notes and a short section of what happened after Nixon's resignation to the key players. Throughout the book, the author's make it clear why accurate sources are critical to the accounting and in a time of political moral ambiguity, the authors are also clear on what is morally and legally right and what is not.

One of the many things that stood out to me in this account was the fact that the members of the Congress, including the Republicans who had just seen a landslide victory stood up for what was right despite the political impact on their party, willing to take on an immensely popular President.

A fascinating accounting!

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is an important & useful book for exactly the age of readers who are observing and trying to make sense of the Impeachment Trial in 2019-2020. However, it does NOT draw any parallels, and never mentions President Trump's impeachment, except in the end-notes, describing what all the people involved are doing today - most of them are dead, but Balis & Levy note that Bob Woodward published Fear: Trump in the White House in 2018.

The layout & format are accessible to readers in 5th to 8th grades, making this unique from other books about Watergate, even Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War - which is great, but longer & more dense. (In fact, all the other books about the Watergate Affair at my library are for adults.)

Occasional illustrations give readers a little break, and the authors' voice framed as a "Fly on the Wall" perspective, allow the events to unfold in a way that feels alive & full of suspense, while also adding a "hindsight" perspective - differentiating between facts & lies, based on what came out later. This lets readers feel like they are in-the-know, while also showing how the public was duped for so long.

[Suzanne Dix · Rating 3 out of 5]

A just-in-time publication as Americans face another impeachment, Bringing Down a President: The Watergate Scandal, introduces a new generation to “All the President’s Men.” With a consistent layout throughout the text, there are “Fly on the Wall” explanations of the events surrounding the Watergate break along with direct quotes from the key players (both those supporting and opposing Nixon). The book has black and white illustrations throughout and has the appearance of a nonfiction text designed for middle schoolers in mind. However there is prolific profanity throughout the book, some within the quotations, and others used simply to add sensationalism. While thought-provoking and informative, this is a complicated and terrifying era of American history that many high school students will struggle to make sense of.

[Karen Gedeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bringing Down a President: The Watergate Scandal written by Andrea Balis and Elizabeth Levy illustrated by Tim Foley – written for middle school in the form of a script narrated by a character named Fly on the Wall, readers are introduced to The Watergate Scandal from beginning to end. Fly on the Wall describes what happens as transcripts from the famous tapes, court proceedings and other documents show participants conversations making the story feel more like a movie script than a nonfiction book. Adding Tim Foley’s black and white illustrations throughout make this a sure hit with young readers with an interest in American History. The book starts with a “Cast of Leading Characters” to set the tone and ends with a where are they now, timeline, source notes and bibliography.

[WaywardCrow Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the way this was written, even though it took me a bit to adjust to the switches between thr narrator and quotes.

I learned a lot more about Watergate than I ever learned in school. The title is ironic because honestly, no one did more “bringing down” of Nixon than Nixon himself.

I need to stop reading history books because they all make me mad. So much of it is just white men getting away with abuse. Even the people that went to prison, none of them served a full sentence.

Unfortunately history repeats itself. I often got deja vu from some of the quotes. Donald Trump and his defenders have the same mentality of Nixon and his. It is sad but corruption and politics are never far away from each other.

[Cindi Rockett · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had great hopes for this book. The illustrations seemed so promising and the cover is catchy and sure to be of interest considering out current political climate. But I was not only disappointed, I was befuddled. Why, for example, let a fly on the wall narrate? That might be cute in a picture book, but not so much in a book about a political scandal. This did cause me to see the targeted audience: ages 10-14 according to the advance reader's edition I read. I'm not sure many kids that age are terribly interested in reading about Watergate to begin with. Parents might find the proficient use of foul language off putting, even if the President's 4 letter words were deleted. The prolific use of primary source material is admirable, but led to a very scattered narrative with insufficient contest. Let me recommend The Most Dangerous Man in place of this book. While it isn't quite as informative about Nixon's actions specifically, it did a superior job of telling framing the events in such a way that young readers might understand this massive political scandal.

[Yvonne Lacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I dislike giving such a low rating... but this is a book for middle school or so, and while entertaining and well put together, and very useful for understanding the timeline and the people involved, it contains numerous instances of inappropriate language. Ironic, in view of the fact that what sank Nixon in many people's regard was his unfettered use of the [expletive deleted]. I believe the author might have done well to avoid using the name of God taken in vain and various vulgar expressions, without losing the effect of this very startling and unique time in our history. I remember it vividly and wish I could recommend this book to my students.

[Emily Grindstaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was phenomenal! Though, after getting into it, I would recommend this book to a middle school student as there are a fair amount of profanities in it that would be inappropriate for a younger age. I enjoyed the style of this book as it is told from the perspective of the "fly on the wall" of what happened in the affair of the Watergate Scandal. This book is also told like a play so all dialogue is incredibly easy to follow. All quotes are actual quote that occurred within the scandal. The style of sketches makes it feel like a comic book. Bringing Down a President is an excellent way to introduce students to the idea of the Watergate Scandal.

[Ilse O'Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

An accomplished retelling of the Watergate scandal. Such a complex story with a huge cast of characters, and the format reads sort of like a documentary. It’s billed as being for readers 10-14, but I think 12-adult is more apt. Keeping track of the dozens of people involved and their roles is challenging for adults, and would be challenging for most kids under 12. There’s some adult language and one or two references to sexual harassment.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to like this a lot more than I did. For someone who lived through the Nixon Impeachment, this was a fun read complete with "expletives deleted" and not so deleted. (real transcripts!). I'm not sure students just learning about Nixon will get as much out of the book because it covers so much material and could be confusing. The illustrations are fun and the research is top-notch, however, the "fly on the wall" narrator gets a little old as the book progresses.

[Emily Grandstaff-Rice · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 13yo picked this up at the library likely because he thought it might be about the current President. I now know more about Watergate and the plumbers. Interesting read and appreciated the detail into the minor characters.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good introduction to the Watergate scandal for middle school or high school students. The use of tons of quotes and pages upon pages of sources listed make this a great option for learning about one of the most interesting scandals in American politics.

[ArcticRaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

The “fly on the wall” in the dialogue was super annoying for reading out loud. After the first chapter we omitted it and the flow improved. I see what they were doing with it but it was overkill. Otherwise a great book for kids about Watergate.

[Mills College Library]

973.924 B1865 2019

[Karthika · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good introduction to the subject. It moved like a thriller. Highly recommend.

[Daphne Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book does a good job of telling the story of this scandal in an informative, researched, and most important, non-biased fashion.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Watergate can be complicated because of the amount of people involved, so I liked this simplified version of the story. The illustrations are well done.